Shadow and Bone Trilogy

by Leigh Bardugo In the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, Leigh Bardugo introduces us to the GrishaVerse in which conflict between races is the reality which threatens all. Dividing these nations, which sound Slavic and Asian in name, is a dark barrier called the Shadow Fold where giant ravenous creatures attack and only light disable. A …

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Dead End in Norvelt*

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos Dead End in Norvelt won the Newberry Medal for young adult literature. I admit it was well-written and interesting. The fact that the protagonist shares the name of the author makes me wonder how much of this unbelievable tale is actually true. Although Jackie 'the Gantos boy' was …

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On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

By Andrew Peterson The first book of the Wingfeather Saga, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness was enchanting and thrilling. Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby live in a cottage with their mother and grandfather in the small town at the edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and long for adventure. They …

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Merci Suarez Changes Gears*

Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina Merci is a scholarship student at a private school in Florida which makes the ordinary challenges facing sixth graders more potent. Jealous girlfriends, changing boy-girl relationships, seemingly unjust social situations, and increasing responsibilities at home are just a few of the problems Merci encounters as she begins a …

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